Washington, Jan 13 (NationPress) Prominent US lawmakers have hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a crucial figure in redefining India's position on the world stage, stating that Washington increasingly perceives his leadership as essential for the sustained strength of the US–India relationship.

During a session at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Representative Rich McCormick remarked that PM Modi’s strategy embodies a robust national perspective that aligns with India’s developmental ambitions. “Prime Minister Modi is profoundly nationalistic in a positive sense,” McCormick expressed.

“He prioritizes his nation similarly to how we prioritize ours. His vision aims to enhance productivity, growth, and technology for India,” noted McCormick, who serves as Co-Chair of the Congressional India Caucus.

He highlighted that US lawmakers appreciate PM Modi’s focus on building domestic capacities, particularly in sectors like defense and manufacturing. “He seeks to strengthen military capabilities within India,” he stated, acknowledging that while some of India’s policies may complicate collaborations, they are grounded in national interests.

Moreover, McCormick pointed out areas of contention, such as India’s energy imports. Commenting on India’s acquisition of discounted Russian oil, he remarked, “We disapprove of that. However, he is doing it in the best interest of his country, allowing for economic expansion through affordable energy.”

Notwithstanding these differences, McCormick emphasized that PM Modi values the significance of aligning with the United States. “Ultimately, I believe he recognizes our importance, as we share similar ideologies,” he stated.

Representative Ami Bera, the longest-serving Indian American in Congress, remarked that PM Modi’s leadership coincides with India’s emergence as a key player in US strategic considerations. “India is integral to our entire Indo-Pacific strategy,” Bera noted, highlighting the continuity across various US administrations.

McCormick characterized PM Modi as a notably influential political leader. “I believe he is the most popular politician in modern history, by a significant margin,” he affirmed, adding, “Perhaps the most popular since Gandhi.”

He also recalled PM Modi’s focus on appreciating India’s diversity. McCormick mentioned that the prime minister once stated he does not trust politicians who have not “traveled by train from south to north or north to south in coach,” emphasizing the importance of experiencing India's social and cultural diversity firsthand.

Both lawmakers expressed that PM Modi’s governance style grants him an intuitive grasp of democratic intricacies. “The United States and India must align in how we engage with our populace,” McCormick observed, referring to India’s rich diversity in religion, language, and political landscapes.

Bera noted that PM Modi’s leadership has paralleled India’s increasing confidence on the global stage. “They recognize the rapid growth of the Indian domestic market,” he stated, adding that India’s trajectory is reshaping international economic and strategic frameworks.